Become an Interior Designer

The field of interior design may be a good match for individuals adept in working with color, textures, and spatial placement. Whether they work in residential or business settings, interior designers are professionals with sharp eyes, good imaginations, and strong communication skills. There are easy ways you can improve your skills for this interesting career. For example, enrolling in online interior designer training courses can quickly open up your future to new, exciting possibilities.

Career Advice: Designing a New Future

Today, almost a third of all interior designers are self-employed, contracting with private home owners or businesses to assess and re-decorate the interiors of these buildings. Other designers might work directly with firms or companies on a wide variety of projects. Interior designers should have good communication skills in order to negotiate with customers and vendors, a strong sense of how colors and textures work together, and a natural style and flair.

Some designers specialize in areas of the home such as kitchens or bathrooms. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is important for succeeding in this profession.

Acquiring the Career Skills for Interior Design

287 educational institutions have been accredited by The National Association of Schools of Arts and Design. Additionally, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation has accredited 150 programs across the United States and Canada.

If you are excited by the possibility of becoming an interior designer, check out some of these accredited programs and take the steps to improve your skills and help you enter this field. Traditional classes or online interior designer training courses can give you the career skills you need. Courses in computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, perspective, spatial planning, and color and materials can all help you retrain. At the minimum, some post-secondary education as well as an apprenticeship, are important steps in becoming an interior designer.

Career Outlook

Glitz Factor: The prestigious nature of this career typically means higher educational requirements to get in and keen competition for the top positions.

Career Outlook: The job outlook for interior designers is positive with the field expected to grow at 13% during 2012-22.

How to Get There: Choose from about 300 post-secondary institutions with programs in art and design--most designate professional designations ranging from certificate to four-year bachelor's degree.

Green Profession: Those candidates with knowledge of green, eco-friendly interior design techniques and materials should enjoy a decided edge in a competitive job market.

The Tech Factor: Computer-aided Design (CAD) and other software programs are streamlining the design process and improving collaboration between designers.

License, Please: Designers should be licensed as a Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designer via a state-administered test.

Learn and Earn: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification conducts the Interior Design Experience Program, an apprenticeship for new designers.

Median Annual Salary: In May 2013, the interior designers earned a median annual salary of $54,200 with top 10% making more than $89,060.

Top Paying States: District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Virginia.

States with Highest Employment: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Georgia.